Houston Rockets center Omer Asik, a legitimate 7-footer that can protect the rim, could be traded by Houston’s self-imposed deadline of Dec. 19. The Celtics, as usual, aren’t quiet in the trade market, and view Asik as an opportunity to improve now and possibly in the future.

The rumored trade would have the Celtics send Brandon Bass, Courtney Lee and a protected first round pick (maybe the Clippers pick acquired in the Doc Rivers trade?) for the 27-year-old Asik.

Are you doing that deal?

Asik’s contract may be scaring away more lucrative deals, and as it stands, the Celtics’ offer may be the best out there. Asik will count against the books for $8.4 million this season and next, but is due to earn $15 million overall in 2014-15.

The Rockets reportedly were interested in Jeff Green or Philadelphia’s Spencer Hawes, but so far, aren’t getting their wish. Beggars can’t be choosers, and Houston’s hand may be forced because Asik has been demanding the trade for months, ever since Dwight Howard’s arrival.

Last year, in his first season as a starter, Asik averaged 10.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks over 30 minutes per game. Specifically, his advanced defensive metrics are off-the-charts (hat tip to ESPN’s Chris Forsberg). Simply put, he could be the inside force the Celtics were looking for.